Facing rising operational expenses, the Herkimer Central School District has put forward a 2026-27 budget proposal designed to safeguard essential programs and staff while minimizing the burden on local taxpayers.
“We understand that families are navigating the same rising costs as schools in areas such as utilities and fuel,” Herkimer Superintendent Kathleen Carney said. “This proposed budget is designed to be fiscally responsible to our taxpayers while ensuring our students continue to receive the high-quality education our community values.”
The proposed $37,008,382 budget for the 2026-27 school year represents a 4.99% increase over the current spending plan. This year, we are seeing a larger than normal increase at BOCES due to the increased cost of BOCES services and the timing of their capital project payments. The district is also faced with rising health insurance costs with nationwide trends at 8.5%.
The budget includes a tax levy increase of 1.98%. This figure is below the state-calculated tax levy limit for Herkimer of 6.35%. The district has a history of fiscal restraint, remaining under the levy limit for 15 of the 16 years since the limit’s introduction in 2012-13.
District residents are scheduled to vote on the budget from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at the Middle-High School Library Media Center. The ballot will also feature a proposition to establish a new capital reserve fund, the election of three Board of Education members and the library budget and trustee votes. The Budget Hearing will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, in the Middle-High School Library Media Center.
“As we move forward with a continued focus on safety, academics, student support, technology, music and the arts, athletics and more, we just want to thank our school community for all of the ongoing support,” Carney said. “We hope everyone comes out and participates in the vote on May 19.”
Visit our Budget and Finance page for more information on the proposed budget.